Y undergoes major renovations

The YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood (“the Y”) has served uptown community members at its Nagle Avenue location since 1956.

Soon, it will serve up some added polish.

Last month, the Y began an extensive renovation project that will introduce new locker rooms, an updated nursery wing and other changes.

The remodeled Y will boast a more modern design with a special emphasis on safety and accessibility, said Michael Fermaglich, Chief Operating Officer of the Y.

It will also provide greater capacity for the facility’s pre-K classes, fitness center and senior programs, according to Fermaglich.

The current project represents the first major interior renovations since the Y took over its current building.

“We’re using every bit of available space,” said COO Michael Fermaglich.

“What’s happening at the Y now doesn’t reflect what was happening in 1956,” commented Fermaglich. “And based on where our programming is going, we really needed to update the building.”

The overhaul is the result of years of strategic planning and is aided by city funding arranged by the office of City Councilmember Ydanis Rodríguez.

“Our renovation plan was based on what we’ve learned in the past from our members, and where we’re going in the future,” said Fermaglich.

The renovations began on October 1, and are expected to take just under a year to complete, explained Y spokesperson Ari Lewis.

So far, the work has progressed smoothly and on schedule, Lewis said.

Construction work will take place in four phases, the first of which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2014.

There will be three new children’s classrooms.

Three new children’s classrooms, a nursery office, newly renovated men’s and women’s locker rooms, and updated lighting and flooring will be completed by the end of Phase One.

The classrooms will be equipped with their own bathrooms, so teachers and children won’t need to go to another room to use the lavatory, and also special windows so classes can be monitored from the outside.

The children will begin using the new classrooms during February 2015.

“New offices will also be created for program directors as the Y continues to expand its programs at a rapid pace,” said Martin Englisher, CEO and Executive Vice President of the Y.

Established in 1917 as a community center, the Y offers educational, recreational and social services for all ages.

The site has a fitness center serving more than 150 clients per week, and a senior center with approximately 1,000 members who participate in weekday meals and activities.

Also, nearly 100 nursery students attend day classes at the Y.

Construction work will take place in four phases.

Fermaglich said that it was essential to not disrupt or endanger the Y’s client populations, made up of largely children and seniors, during the construction phases.

Special attention is being paid to protecting clients and visitors from construction dust, or encountering work equipment.

“Not only will construction crews be limiting the hours with the most disruptive work to low-traffic times like early morning and late night, but we have extra cleaning crews to ensure the building looks better than the day before and stays free of dust,” noted Fermaglich.

Since the Y is remaining open during the entire renovation, it required some maneuvering of classes and activities away from building areas currently being remodeled.

“We’re using every bit of available space, but it’s working out,” he added.

On a recent visit, patrons of the Y reported little impact due to the construction.

Nearly 100 nursery students attend day classes. Photo: youtube.com

“I have seen some construction people around, but overall the Y has been good about not letting it disrupt their day-to-day business,” said one parent, whose daughter attends the Y’s nursery school program.

Fermaglich said he is excited that the renovations are happening just a few years before the center’s 100th anniversary.

“It will make for a pretty nice anniversary present for our members.”

For more information on the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, go to www.ywashhts.org or call 212.569.6200.